IMO adopts mandatory energy efficiency measures

Mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from international shipping were adopted by parties to MARPOL Annex VI, represented in the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), when it met for its 62nd session last week.

This represents the first ever mandatory global greenhouse gas reduction regime for an international industry sector.

The amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships add a new chapter 4 to Annex VI on Regulations on energy efficiency for ships to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships.
Other amendments to Annex VI add new definitions and the requirements for survey and certification, including the format for the International Energy Efficiency Certificate.

The regulations, which apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, are expected to become effective on January 1st, 2013.

However, under regulation 19, the Administration may waive the requirement for new ships of 400 gross tonnage and above from complying with the EEDI requirements subject to certain conditions.
The new chapter includes a regulation on promotion of technical co-operation and transfer of technology relating to the improvement of energy efficiency of ships, which requires Administrations, in co-operation with the IMO and other international bodies, to promote and provide appropriate support directly or through IMO to States requesting technical assistance.

The MEPC agreed a work plan to continue the work on energy efficiency measures for ships, to include the development of the EEDI framework for ship types and sizes, and propulsion systems, not covered by the current EEDI requirements and the development of EEDI and SEEMP-related guidelines.

The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.

The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships.

Quelle: eyefortransport
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